Stairlifts, Safety Modifications Allow Seniors to Remain at Home

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that seniors benefit from remaining in familiar surroundings as they age, but many times physical barriers make that difficult. Fortunately, there are also many products and services that help eliminate those barriers and allow older adults to continue living in their own familiar homes. Stairlifts and other accommodations make homes more accessible and safer for those who have limited mobility for any reason. These are the most popular and useful home modifications for seniors who want to remain at home.

Stairlifts
Stair lifts, also called chair lifts, are a major boon to anyone who has navigating stairs in a home that has two or more stories. Stairlifts provide access to upper floors for those who are unable to climb stairs, and can be a deciding factor in whether a person remains in their home or has to move to a nursing home, assisted living facility or a one-story home.  In addition to being useful to people who have trouble climbing the stairs because of a physical disability, chair lifts make stairs safer for people who suffer from balance problems or who are at risk of falling.

Additional Lighting in Hallways and Stairs
Stairwells and hallways can be darker than expected – especially if there’s only one light switch to control the lights. One or two additional light fixtures can make stairs safer and make it easier for people to see the controls on stairlifts or the edges of the steps. Adding a light switch immediately outside bedroom doors, at each end of the hallway or at both the top and bottom of the stairs ensures that seniors will always be able to turn on a light for safety before starting up or down stairs.

Adjust Counter Height
Kitchen counters are designed for people who are standing, but many older Americans have trouble standing for the length of time it takes to do food prep work. One solution is to adjust the height of the kitchen counters and remove cabinets beneath them, allowing a chair to be pulled up to the counter for food preparation.

Entrance Ramps
Stairs can be an issue outside the house as well as inside. If the stairs are steep, chair lifts can be installed under a canopy or covering to protect it from the weather. Ramps are useful for shorter inclines, such as one or two steps up to the front door. They’re also a useful modification for adults who use mobility chairs to get around outside the home.
Stairlifts and other modifications make it possible for older Americans to stay in their homes safely and comfortably rather than having to give up the home they’ve spent a lifetime building.